 |
 A
window of opportunity
for health care centre
The
Health and Welfare sub-committee of the Cato Manor Community
Organisation (CMCO) in conjunction with the Public Buildings
Department of CMDA, the European Union (EU) representatives
and the City Health Department, have approved the design concept
for the Community Health Centre that is to be built in Cato
Manor. The European Union has pledged R14.8 million for the
development, and it is hoped that construction will commence
early next year.
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The proposed
site for the Health Centre is opposite the Cato Manor police
station, and slightly behind the Intuthuko Junction in Francois
Road. Access to the Centre will be gained through a new road
that will be constructed between Intuthuko Junction and the
Telkom site. The road will link Cato Crest with the Central
Node.
In terms of the proposal the Centre will feature a midwife
obstetrics unit, a day surgery, an operating theatre, an HIV/AIDS
research service facility, dentist rooms, physio and occupational
therapy facility, pharmacy, X-ray facility, as well as a facility
that will house a health education service and community outreach
programmes.
According to Martin Kaplan, the CMDA’s public buildings manager,
the midwife obstetrics unit will provide a 24-hour service
while the other units will operate a day service and where
necessary will refer patients to surrounding facilities, such
as King Edward Hospital.
Initially the project was delayed due to difficulties in obtaining
a commitment from the local council for the operating budget
required for this facility. Alternative partnerships were
investigated to find ways of delivering a high level of health
care, while reducing the load on local budgets.
This problem was overcome late last year when the Provincial
Health Department undertook to supplement the funding that
will become available from the city when the existing Ekuphileni
Clinic is moved into the Community Health Centre, together
with its operating budget.
In addition, various other organisations, such as the University
of Durban-Westville, St Johns and McCord Hospital want to
participate in the provision of health services at this Centre.
The project requires intensive participation and commitment
by all stakeholders, including the local community, to ensure
that no further delays are incurred. The European Union has
given the project the green light to proceed on the understanding
that the funds will be utilised by March 2003. If this cannot
be achieved the funding for the project may be cancelled.
“We do not see the whole facility being built at once - parts
of it will be funded by other sources and built in subsequent
stages,” said Martin.
“The most exciting aspect of the Centre is the wide range
of services that can be offered if the city makes use of the
partnership opportunities that have been created. Also, the
introduction of a midwife obstetric unit, where women can
give birth and be cared for, will be a first for Cato Manor,”
he said.
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